Stray cat has coronavirus. Safe to introduce to indoor cats?

Coronavirus itself is in most cases harmless to cats and many cats will have a coronavirus infection that will go unnoticed. The problem in a very small minority of cases is that this virus mutate into a new form and becomes what is known as FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) which is a fatal disease. The mutated virus cannot be transmitted to another cat. To summarise, risk is minor, but still exist.

According to a study done in 2015: "The prevalence of antibodies to feline coronavirus in single-cat households is approximately 25%, whereas in some multicat households, all cats may have positive titers." If they are all positive for antibodies, then it may be safe to have them all together at home. Check with your vet.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Great question. I personally would not be worried about your cats contracting FIP. The coronavirus is found in the saliva and feces of infected cats. Therefore, cat-to-cat contact and exposure to feces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection. Contaminated food or water dishes, bedding, and your clothing may also serve as sources of infection. It doesn't sound like this is a concern based on your description of how you separated the cats, washed your hands, etc. The coronavirus can live in the environment anywhere from 3-7 weeks. After 3 weeks, however, the number of virus particles present is probably too small to cause infection. Many disinfectants will kill the virus, including household bleach diluted 1:32 in water (1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water). So, you may want to do a thorough cleaning of the area where you housed the kittens and it may be best for you to not get any foster kittens for at least a month to try to prevent the new ones from getting infected. Hope this answers your questions. Best wishes.

Feline coronavirus is a virus that typically causes mild gastrointestinal signs in cats or kittens. If the virus mutates, however, it can result in the deadly disease of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). The virus is spread through either inhalation or ingestion of infected fecal matter. It sounds like your cat is infected. If so and your housekeeper is handling the litter box, she should change clothes before cleaning another home with cats present. The virus is relatively fragile and can be inactivated by most commercial cleaning products. Hope this helps!

It would be prudent to keep him separated from your cat until he is examined by your veterinarian. The kitten should be dewormed, given flea medication if necessary and vaccinated before he is introduced to your cat. A blood test for FeLV and FIV is also recommended.

Prior to bringing her into the house with your other cats I would recommend she be evaluated by a veterinarian. You would want her tested for any diseases she could transmit to your cats, such as feline leukemia or feline AIDS. If she has fleas or mites, I would recommend treating her prior to coming home. At the same time, she can have her skin lesion looked at. Finally, I would give her a rabies shot as well. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some illnesses can be transmitted from one cat to another from your hands or clothing. I recommend washing hands and possibly leaving shoes away from your cats if the stray sneezed on or near them. Basic good hygiene will help prevent disease transmission to your kitties. If you are able please take the stray into the vet as soon as you are able as it sounds like she may have a significant respiratory infection. Be sure that she is tested for feline leukemia and FIV before you ever let her near your cats to be safe.